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Figure 1.--. |
Many private schools were set up on the tradition of English boarding schools. Many public schools in New Zealand also offered boarding. Here boarding both served the needs of parents who travel or have other special needs as well provide an educational environment seen as benedicial both academically and in character formation. Quite a large number of New Zealand secondary schools set up boarding facilities for students unable to attend as day students. This was particularly important before transportation improved after World War II, but many students still live far enough from the school that daily trips are impractical. Thus state secondary schools continue to run boarding hostels.
In 1994 Rotorua Boys' High School established its own hostel in Ranolf Street to provide modern boarding facilities for up to 52 students. The hostel is five minutes walk from the school. Students of any form level can board for 5 or 7 days per week. Students share twin rooms with study facilities. Evening prep is compulsory. Supervision is provided by an experienced Housemaster who is supported by three Assistant Housemasters, and a matron who are all responsible to the Principal and Board of Trustees.
Rotaura Boys' High School
Brother Anthony as Hostel Manager and Mrs. Margaret Fleming (Matron) are to be commended for administering a very good hostel. Their interest in the boys and their attention to duty are excellent. All supervisors are to be commended for their faithful duty and positiveness. The hostel domestic staff are an asset to the college and their interest and sense of belonging add to the good feeling in the hostel. Hostel Management Board meetings are held three times a year and area meetings (Opunake, Hawera, Stratford, etc.) are held on an annual basis to allow feedback and discussion with our boarding parents. At present there are 105 boarders." [Note the school roll was 585, so the boarders were a substantial part of the school.]
Francis Douglas Memorial College, 1996
Brother Anthony's easily approachable manner has made it possible for the wide range of persinalities to be able to opeate effectively in a hostel living environment. Special thnks must go to him for his continuing effort in making the hostel a special place that boarders can relate to home. Seventh form in particular offer our sincere gratitude for all the Thursday nights , which undoubtedly would have cost the hostel thousands of has browns. .... The hostel is considered by many to be the pulse of the college. This year has been no exception to this philosophy. It is home to nearly 20 percent of the college, even if it does bring the responsibility of cleaning the pool, school grounds and vans. The boarders this year have accepted this as a challenge, and by undertaking this have been able to come to terms with the hostel neing their home.
Oetr Lawn, Head Boarder, and Martin Stronge, Deputy Head Boarder, Frances Douglas Memorial College, 1996
Ours is one of a small group of 'state' schools which provides 'hostel' accomodations for its pupils. Adams House has been operating since 1917 and has had aajor influence on our School's character. .... The 'Hostel' is an integral part of our school and must continue.
Graeme Ash, "The school we magnify," (1991). Christchurch Boys' High School.
